VO-BB - 19 YEARS OLD!

Mike Harrison

An overseas client, a new client, has agreed to pre-payment. But they don't have and apparently don't want to set up a PayPal account. They're offering instead to do a wire transfer. That's cool, in theory, but foreign wire transfers take at the very least 24 - 48 hours. And in my case, probably longer, because my bank is not part of the international banking network. Payment would first have to go to a bigger bank in New York City before being routed to mine.

PayPal would be SO much easier for everyone, but how do I convince the client of that without risking the job and the relationship before it even gets off the ground? I want to turn the job around quickly for them, but I can't if the 'pre-payment' is going to take three or more days.

Can anyone please advise how I should handle this?

Thanks so much.
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Mike
Male Voice Over Talent
I have taken leave of my sensors.

Eddie Eagle · M&M Joined: 23 Apr 2008 Posts: 2393

Credit card transaction

Donovan · Posted: Wed Oct 06, 2010 12:36 pm Post subject:

From what I understand, they don't need to have a paypal account to pay you via credit card. That would be the best way.
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Donovan

www.DonovanVO.com

Mike Harrison · Posted: Wed Oct 06, 2010 12:37 pm Post subject:

I don't take credit cards. (I should've said.)
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Mike
Male Voice Over Talent
I have taken leave of my sensors.

Mike Harrison · Posted: Wed Oct 06, 2010 12:38 pm Post subject:

Donovan, are you saying that they can use PayPal with a credit card?
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Mike
Male Voice Over Talent
I have taken leave of my sensors.

cyclometh · Posted: Wed Oct 06, 2010 12:42 pm Post subject:

Mike, you don't need a PayPal account to use PayPal to send money to someone. Only the recipient needs a PayPal account.

Go to PayPal.com, log in and select "Request Money" from the menu. It'll send them an email with instructions on how to respond.
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Corey "Vox Man" Snow
http://voxman.net

Mike Harrison · Posted: Wed Oct 06, 2010 12:43 pm Post subject:

I've just consulted PayPal's Help pages. It appears one still must have a PayPal account to use a credit card. This client does not appear to want to set up a PayPal account.

{despair and anguish}
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Mike
Male Voice Over Talent
I have taken leave of my sensors.

cyclometh · Posted: Wed Oct 06, 2010 12:46 pm Post subject:

I was just reading the same thing. Apologies for the incorrect advice above; there was a time when you could send money without a paypal account.

However, I'd say that:

* If they can't be bothered to set up a PayPal account (it's a very simple process), then that's a red flag.
* Wait until you have the money if you have concerns, because from what I'm hearing this would make me very concerned about the client's intent to actually pay.

If they really want it faster, they'll find a way to get you the money faster.
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Corey "Vox Man" Snow
http://voxman.net

Mike Harrison · Posted: Wed Oct 06, 2010 1:02 pm Post subject:

Having been burned a couple of times before, I'm tending agree with you, Cyclometh. I'd like to believe this client is on the level, but I can find no information on them.
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Mike
Male Voice Over Talent
I have taken leave of my sensors.

cyclometh · Posted: Wed Oct 06, 2010 1:07 pm Post subject:

It honestly sounds like they're hoist on their own petard. They'll need to either wait for the wire transfer or bite the bullet and create a PayPal account.

If the client is demanding that you do the work now and trust them to get the money later, they're not professionals and you don't want to work with them anyway- in my opinion, of course.
_________________
Corey "Vox Man" Snow
http://voxman.net

bobsouer · Posted: Wed Oct 06, 2010 1:37 pm Post subject:

Mike,

Unless PayPal has changed their policies in the last few weeks, I've been paid via credit card several times from people without PayPal accounts. Create a "PayPal invoice" and send it to them. They'll be able to submit their credit card details without creating an account.
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Bob Souer (just think of lemons)
The second nicest guy in voiceover.
+1-724-613-2749
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Philip Banks · Posted: Wed Oct 06, 2010 1:43 pm Post subject:

Sorry to have to say this people. The attitude is very "Low Rent". Of course each of you must run your own businesses as you see fit but one must remember there are more voices than clients and most clients are basically very honest people. Combine Due Diligence with a liberal sprinkling of Common Sense.

Mike Harrison · Posted: Wed Oct 06, 2010 1:48 pm Post subject:

Thanks, Bob. I'll keep that in mind for next time. But I'm guessing a credit card wouldn't work for these people, either.

However, as I've just now heard from someone whose judgment I trust, and who says the company is one of the "wealthiest production companies in town," I think I'll take the chance.

My thanks to everyone who offered their opinion and viewpoint. Much appreciated.
_________________
Mike
Male Voice Over Talent
I have taken leave of my sensors.

melissa eX · Posted: Wed Oct 06, 2010 2:15 pm Post subject:

In theory it seems simple to set up a paypal account and it's easy for us because we can be flexible in our practices - it's just us. But when you have an accounting department that has its books set up a certain way it's not that simple to just integrate a new method. I've gotten paid by international clients via wire transfer. In fact I opened a new account at a different bank just for that purpose - because they charge no fee to receive the transfer. You may want to do the same. Especially if this will become a regular thing.

Mike Harrison · Posted: Wed Oct 06, 2010 2:21 pm Post subject: